How to Determine the Year of a Johnson Outboard
- 1). Find the serial number or code number. It will be found on the nameplate located on the outboard itself, on the mounting bracket or on the silver core plug on top of the power head. Remove the cowling by lifting the release levers found on each side or front and rear of the outboard to find the core plug. The serial number is typically a mixture of letters and numbers or a series of letters alone. Write the number down.
- 2). Decode the number. The number to the far right is the model run or suffix. The next two letters to the left are the part of the code that determine the year. Johnson Evinrude uses a simple code if the outboard is a 1980 to the present model. It is INTRODUCES. I=1, N=2,T=3,R=4,O=5,D=6,U=7,C=8,E=9,S=0.
For example, a 1999 mode would show xxxxxEEx. The EE is 99 or 1999. This is only for a 1980 model year or after 1980. - 3). Decode for an earlier model, if the INTRODUCES code is not fitting. From 1969 to 1980, the year is in the model number by year. For example, a 1976 outboard has a 76 in its model or serial number, such as xxxx76x.
- 4). To decode motors 1968 and earlier, go to the Bombardier website for your outboard's year. It is easiest to look up the horsepower and year online. Bombardier acquired OMC and the Johnson and Evinrude brands in 2001.
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